Cover Chamoson vines in the Valais region (Photo: Swiss Wine Promotion)
Chamoson vines in the Valais region (Photo: Swiss Wine Promotion)
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Happening from November 13 to 25, Swiss Wine Week returns with its most extensive lineup to date—giving wine lovers a rare opportunity to explore Swiss wines in the company of the winemakers themselves
Switzerland is renowned for its Alpine scenery, precision watchmaking and indulgent chocolates and cheeses. Yet one of its best-kept secrets is its wine, shaped by the country’s ideal climate and varied terroir. Across six wine regions, more than 252 grape varieties are cultivated, resulting in wines of remarkable diversity and character. Though the country produces an estimated 99 million litres annually, less than 1 per cent is exported—which explains why not many wine lovers outside Switzerland have discovered these exceptional wines.
But the tides are slowly turning with the return of Swiss Wine Week to Singapore, themed ‘From the Alps to the Glass’. Taking place across venues island-wide from November 13 to 25, the wine festival has been organised by Swiss Wine Promotion board in collaboration with Swiss airlines, Switzerland Tourism, Swisscham, the Embassy of Switzerland, and local partner Winecircle to promote the diversity of Swiss wines overseas while creating a distinctive experience for wine enthusiasts.
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Above Swiss town of Neuchâtel, which is also a wine-growing region located against the Jura Mountain (Photo: Swiss Wine Promotion)
Above Lavaux vineyard terraces (Photo: Swiss Wine Promotion)
Swiss town of Neuchâtel, which is also a wine-growing region located against the Jura Mountain (Photo: Swiss Wine Promotion)
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Fun fact: this year’s edition is the largest Swiss Wine Week ever organised, surpassing previous events held in Europe (Belgium, Germany and United Kingdom) and North America (New York) with its extensive programme spanning wine fairs, masterclasses, private dinners and tastings, and sommelier competitions.
Among the esteemed producers flying in for the event are Julien-François Nebel from Domaine Histoire d’Enfer (Valais); Ramesh Oertli from Vinattieri (Ticino); Nikita Novelle from Novelle le Grand Clos (Geneva); and Alex Stauffer from Vin de l’A (Valais). They will be present at events such as the Swiss Wine Fair on November 18, the festival’s anchor event, where an estimated 200 guests will have the opportunity to meet these visiting Swiss winemakers while sampling their wines. Those seeking a deeper exploration of Swiss wines may join the masterclass at 67 Pall Mall on November 19, where selected winemakers will present their vintages in a more exclusive and intimate setting.
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Above Swiss Wine Week takes place from November 13 to 25 at different venues across the island
Swiss Wine Week takes place from November 13 to 25 at different venues across the island
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Above The Swiss Wine Fair is the festival’s anchor event where guest can meet the wine makers and sample their wines
The Swiss Wine Fair is the festival’s anchor event where guest can meet the wine makers and sample their wines
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The week-long festival extends into the culinary sphere with wine tastings and pairing dinners at partner restaurants Les Ducs, Coucou Restaurant and Latteria Mozzarella Bar. On November 21, these three establishments will participate in the Flying Dinner session, where their chefs will serve one dish paired with Swiss wines. Coucou Restaurant will also host a convivial evening on November 15, featuring food and wines with the Swiss producers.
The event culminates in a sommelier competition on November 25, which will unfold in two parts. The first will feature 25 Singapore-based sommeliers from Michelin-starred hotels and restaurants to compete in a blind tasting of Swiss wines. The second is a wine competition for students from École Hôtelière de Lausanne, the next generation of hospitality leaders who will soon shape the F&B landscape.
Ultimately, Swiss Wine Week is a chance to discover and enjoy bottles wine lovers won’t often find outside Switzerland, giving them the chance to discover Swiss wines that deserve to be shared and enjoyed with friends—not kept a secret.
Swiss Wine Week returns to Singapore from November 13 to 25. Please check out swisswineweek.com for more information and updates on the lineup of events.
Credits
Images: Swiss Wine Week
Topics
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
